Words for wildlife: Your guide to speaking to candidates this Scottish Election

Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament passed the Natural Environment Bill – a huge moment of celebration for nature. Now, we need action. Nature targets are in law, but they need to be set and acted on if we are to restore wildlife in Scotland. You can also ask candidates about Swift Bricks. This small but mighty measure was included in the Bill - but we need to see Swift Bricks actually included in new buildings. Ask your candidates how they will support this.

Nature-friendly farming is one of the most important ways to address the nature and climate emergency. More than three-quarters of Scotland is farmed, so what happens on this land matters enormously for nature. Many farmers and crofters want to help nature, but they need much more support to do so. If we invest more in nature-friendly farming, we can save species like Corncrakes and Curlews, build resilience to climate change, and create a more sustainable future for our food production.

Development is one of the key drivers of nature loss in Scotland, with many precious habitats being destroyed or fragmented. When projects go ahead without nature in mind, they can cause serious harm. Berwick Bank and Coul Links are two of the worst proposed developments we’ve seen in recent years. Both projects would cause catastrophic harm to threatened wildlife if they go ahead. In a nature crisis, we can’t afford to lose the most important places for nature. Instead, planning should be part of the solution, leaving nature in a better place than before. Ask your candidates about how they will push for nature positive developments in your area and beyond.

Scotland’s seabirds are one of our wildlife wonders. We’re blessed to have important populations of Gannets, Guillemots, Puffins and more. But they’re in serious trouble, with 70% of species in decline. We need to do all we can to help protect them. That includes preventing unnecessary deaths. Every year, thousands of seabirds are killed in fishing gear in Scottish waters. We can end bycatch if we introduce key measures now.

When we invest in restoring nature, it returns that investment tenfold. Nature restoration is vital to combat climate change and replenish biodiversity, the fabric of life. But it’s also important to businesses, it helps prevent flooding, and is essential for our health and wellbeing. By restoring nature, we’re investing in Scotland’s future. The Nature Restoration Fund has worked wonders for species and habitats across Scotland. Ask your candidates to boost this small but mighty funding pot so we can save more precious wildlife, for future generations.

• Be clear  
  Letting your candidate know from the outset that you want to talk about nature can help get the conversation going.  

• Bring up local issues 
  Politicians respond well to issues they can champion in their communities. Think about how you’d like to see nature restored or improved in your area.  

• Be persistent  
  Politicians sometimes don’t want to be pinned down. Don’t be afraid to push them for specifics and commitments.  

• Be concise  
  Think about what you might say, and what area you want to focus on, beforehand. Especially if you’re going to a hustings! 

• Stay respectful
  Everyone has different opinions, so remember to be polite. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’ll help convey your point of view in a more memorable and effective way.   

If you still have concerns or questions, don’t be afraid to ask about the best way to stay in contact with your candidate to continue the discussion both during and after the election. Continuing to engage by expressing your concerns for our wildlife is essential to holding our politicians to account and ensuring they act on their commitments to protect our natural world.

You’ll likely get canvassers knocking on your door throughout the election. Whilst they can’t make commitments for candidates and might not be able to answer detailed policy questions, they’re a direct link between you and your potential future MSPs. Given this, it’s important you take the time to talk about your concerns for nature and how it might affect your vote and support in the future. And if you want to talk to their party’s candidate, just ask!